- विज्ञापन -
Kyiv [Ukraine]: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of manipulating the ceasefire proposal to delay or derail progress. In a post on X, Zelenskyy said that Putin’s response to the ceasefire idea was predictable and manipulative, suggesting that Russia was preparing to reject it. While Ukraine has accepted the US-backed proposal for an unconditional ceasefire across land, sea, and air, Russia continues to place obstacles in the way of a resolution.
Zelenskyy argued that Putin is unwilling to admit his intention to continue the war and is instead using tactics to complicate negotiations. He stated, “Putin is afraid to directly tell President Trump that he wants to keep fighting and killing Ukrainians. Instead, they surround the ceasefire proposal with conditions to either make it fail or drag it out.” He stressed that Ukraine is not imposing any conditions that would hinder progress, accusing Russia of being the sole party obstructing a resolution.
Ukraine accepted the US proposal for an unconditional ceasefire, with monitoring and verification by American and European capabilities, and expressed readiness to use the ceasefire period to prepare for long-term security and a lasting peace. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is committed to swift and constructive talks, with international partners already aware of Ukraine’s stance.
Meanwhile, Russian President Putin commented on Ukraine’s readiness for a ceasefire, thanking world leaders like US President Donald Trump, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for their efforts. Speaking with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Putin indicated that Russia was open to a ceasefire but insisted that it should lead to “long-term peace” and address the root causes of the conflict. He suggested that Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate may have been influenced by pressure from the US.
Zelenskyy dismissed Russia’s stance as obstructive, accusing Putin of prolonging the war for his own benefit and causing unnecessary suffering. He called for increased international pressure on Moscow and the application of effective sanctions. “Now is the time to intensify pressure on him,” Zelenskyy said, stressing that the war must end with international support.
On March 11, Ukraine formally agreed to a 30-day interim ceasefire, which could be extended by mutual agreement, depending on Russia’s acceptance. The proposal was discussed during US-Ukraine peace talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and was welcomed by President Trump, who emphasized the importance of ending the war and expressed hope that Russia would agree to the ceasefire.
India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reiterated its support for diplomatic negotiations, emphasizing that India is “on the side of peace.” PM Modi had previously engaged with both Russian and Ukrainian leaders, reaffirming that war cannot be resolved on the battlefield. He expressed hope for a swift resolution and welcomed Trump’s peace efforts, highlighting India’s commitment to playing an active role in peace efforts. The conflict, ongoing since February 2022, continues to draw global efforts for de-escalation, though a lasting peace remains uncertain.
